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PES1, the human homolog of zebrafish pescadillo, is a nucleolar protein that is essential for cell proliferation. We report herein that a nucleolar marker protein B23 physically interacts with PES1 and is involved in the nucleolar localization of PES1. In vivo interaction between B23 and PES1 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation of endogenous B23 and PES1 proteins, and they showed cellular co-localizations under both normal and actinomycin D-induced stress conditions. Furthermore, we mapped their interaction domains via in vitro pull-down assays. When B23 was knocked down by RNA interference, there appeared an increased nucleoplasmic distribution of PES1. Our results support a previous hypothesis that B23 might be a nucleolar hub protein for protein targeting to the nucleolus, and shed light on the nucleolar localization mechanism of PES1. The physical interaction between B23 and PES1 implies that they may participate in ribosome biogenesis in a protein complex.

Two classes of important nano-materials, mesoporous titania (MT) and CdSe quantum dots, are prepared via chemical methods. Rapid immobilization of CdSe quantum dots into mesoporous titania has been achieved and the composite system is characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence. The band-to-band photoluminescence emission of CdSe quantum dots is blue-shifted for 20nm after the dots are immobilized into mesoporous titania. Loading CdSe quantum dots into mesoporous titania leads to speedy photoelectric exchange process of the system and a significant rise in photoconductivity (for a factor of 8), which would attract great deal of attention in quantum dots solar cell.

Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the most accurate method of quantifying gene expression, provided that suitable endogenous controls are used to normalize the data. To date, no reference genes have been validated for development in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep (Ovis aries). We have determined the expression profiles of 7 housekeeping genes as candidate reference genes (Actb, Ywhaz, Sdha, Gapdh, Tubb2, Pgk1 and 18S rRNA) in 7 developmental stages (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 months of age) and 6 tissues (omental fat, liver, tail fat, thigh muscle, subcutaneous fat (backfat above 12th and 13th rib) and perirenal fat) in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep. The software packages geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper were used to evaluate the stability of potential reference genes; each produced comparable results. Initial results showed several of the candidate genes exhibited stable expression throughout development while Actb was identified as the least stable gene. Further analysis with geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper identified Gapdh, Tubb2, Sdha and Ywhaz as acceptably stable in gene expression. Comparison of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (Dgat1) expression data normalized with geometric averages obtained from combinations of either Gapdh, Sdha, Ywhaz or Tubb2, Sdha, Ywhaz showed no significant differences, indicating that these two combinations are similar. The data provided in this paper may also be useful in guiding researchers performing gene expression in other species of sheep.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common pregnancy complication and is associated with significant risks of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, there is a lack of data concerning PROM in China. We investigated the incidence rate and analysed the influence of PROM on fetal and neonatal health. This used data from five specialist hospitals and one general hospital in mainland China. The total number of deliveries and the number of those complicated by PROM were recorded between January 2003 and December 2007. The time from initiation of PROM until delivery (latent period), the volume of amniotic fluid at delivery, fetal conditions and neonatal clinical conditions were recorded. The results suggest that the incidence of PROM was 19.53% and it could influence various aspects of the health of fetuses and neonates, including platelet parameters, erythrocyte parameters, neonatal jaundice and myocardial injury.